A qualitative study exploring the factors influencing maternal healthcare access and utilization among Muslim refugee women resettled in the United States.

Although a large number of Muslim refugees have resettled in the United States for the last decades, few studies have looked into maternal healthcare access and utilization among Muslim refugee women in the country. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the factors influencing maternal healthcare access and utilization among Muslim refugee women resettled in the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted among Afghan, Iraqi, and Syrian refugee women (n = 17) using an interview guide informed by Social Cognitive Theory and its key constructs. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, imported into MAXQDA 2020 (VERBI Software), and analyzed based on qualitative content analysis. Data analysis revealed several themes at the micro, meso, and macro-levels. Micro-level factors included women's attitudes toward hospitals and prenatal care, as well as their life skills and language proficiency. Meso-level factors, such as cultural norms and practices, social support and network, as well as health care provider characteristics, were also identified. Macro-level factors, such as the complex healthcare system and access to insurance, also appeared to influence maternal healthcare access and utilization. This study revealed the complex contextual factors that refugee populations face. Given the population's heterogeneity, a more nuanced understanding of refugee maternal health is required, as are more tailored programs for the most vulnerable groups of refugee women.

Contrasting Perceptions, Knowledge, and Actions around Lyme Disease in an Urban Area of Emerging Lyme Disease and an Area of Endemic Lyme Disease in the Northeastern United States.

Lyme disease transmission dynamics in the northeastern United States vary by context. Periurban regions, including Block Island, RI, have experienced decades of endemic transmission. In urban areas, including Staten Island, a borough in New York City, NY, Lyme disease is an emerging issue. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices around Lyme disease evolve as an area progresses from emergent to endemic. We conducted focus group discussions and household surveys within Staten Island, NY and Block Island, RI to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Qualitative data were coded into themes, and survey data were used to provide more general context of the focus group discussions. Using item response theory, we developed an index of knowledge from relevant factors within the household survey. We identified a significant difference in knowledge scores between the two study areas. Additionally, we identified key differences across multiple domains. Participants from Block Island were more likely to report prior tick exposure and Lyme disease in themselves or household members and were more likely to express concerns about the environmental impact of mitigation strategies. Individuals on Staten Island were more likely to assign responsibility of prevention and control to local, state, and federal government than to take personal prevention measures. Prevention of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases must be tailored to the community context and monitored over time as perceptions and priorities may evolve as transmission dynamics transition from emergent to endemic.

Neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes: A scoping review.

Recognizing challenges faced by people living with HIV is vital for improving their HIV treatment outcomes. While individual-level interventions play a crucial role, community factors can shape the impact of individual interventions on treatment outcomes. Understanding neighborhood characteristics' association with HIV treatment outcomes is crucial for optimizing effectiveness. This review aims to summarize the research scope on the association between neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes. The databases PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Elsevier), and PsychINFO (EBSCOhost) were searched from the start of each database to Nov 21, 2022. Screening was performed by three independent reviewers. Full-text publications of all study design meeting inclusion criteria were included in the review. There were no language or geographical limitations. Conference proceedings, abstract only, and opinion reports were excluded from the review. The search yielded 7,822 publications, 35 of which met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Studies assessed the relationship between neighborhood-level disadvantage (n = 24), composition and interaction (n = 17), social-economic status (n = 18), deprivation (n = 16), disorder (n = 8), and rural-urban status (n = 7) and HIV treatment outcomes. The relationship between all neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes was not consistent across studies. Only 7 studies found deprivation had a negative association with HIV treatment outcomes; 6 found that areas with specific racial/ethnic densities were associated with poor HIV treatment outcomes, and 5 showed that disorder was associated with poor HIV treatment outcomes. Three studies showed that rural residence was associated with improved HIV treatment outcomes. There were inconsistent findings regarding the association between neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes. While the impact of neighborhood characteristics on disease outcomes is highly recognized, there is a paucity of standardized definitions and metrics for community characteristics to support a robust assessment of this hypothesis. Comparative studies that define and assess how specific neighborhood indicators independently or jointly affect HIV treatment outcomes are highly needed.

Preferences and Demand for Mosquito Control among Dengue-Endemic Communities in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico: An Application of the Best-Worst Choice Model.

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue virus and threatens 3.9 billion people living in many tropical and subtropical countries. Prevention and reduction of dengue and other Aedes-borne viruses, including Zika and chikungunya, requires control of mosquito populations. Community mobilization and input are essential components of vector control efforts. Many vector control campaigns do not engage communities prior to implementation, leading to program failure. Those that do often conduct basic knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys that are not designed to explicitly elicit preferences. Here, we applied a novel stated preference elicitation tool, best-worst choice, to understand preferences, willingness to participate, and willingness to pay for mosquito control in dengue-endemic communities of Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. Findings revealed that the community preferred mosquito control programs that are 1) applied at the neighborhood level, 2) implemented by the local government, and 3) focused specifically on reducing disease transmission (e.g., dengue) instead of mosquito nuisance. Programs targeting the reduction of disease transmission and higher educational level of participants increased willingness to participate. Participants were willing to pay an average of $72 annually to have a program targeting the reduction of diseases such as dengue. This study serves as a model to engage communities in the design of mosquito control programs and improve stakeholders' decision-making.

Resilience Informatics for Public Health.

Resilience research is attracting increasing attention as stressors such as pandemics and climate change impact normal life worldwide. Informatics tools can play an important role in enhancing resilience of people, communities, and organizations. We present Resilience Informatics as a sub-discipline of resilience research and propose a conceptual framework for Resilience Informatics to aid in the development and effective deployment of informatics systems for resilience.

Defining the roles of local precipitation and anthropogenic water sources in driving the abundance of Aedes aegypti, an emerging disease vector in urban, arid landscapes.

Understanding drivers of disease vectors' population dynamics is a pressing challenge. For short-lived organisms like mosquitoes, landscape-scale models must account for their highly local and rapid life cycles. Aedes aegypti, a vector of multiple emerging diseases, has become abundant in desert population centers where water from precipitation could be a limiting factor. To explain this apparent paradox, we examined Ae. aegypti abundances at > 660 trapping locations per year for 3 years in the urbanized Maricopa County (metropolitan Phoenix), Arizona, USA. We created daily precipitation layers from weather station data using a kriging algorithm, and connected localized daily precipitation to numbers of mosquitoes trapped at each location on subsequent days. Precipitation events occurring in either of two critical developmental periods for mosquitoes were correlated to suppressed subsequent adult female presence and abundance. LASSO models supported these analyses for female presence but not abundance. Precipitation may explain 72% of Ae. aegypti presence and 90% of abundance, with anthropogenic water sources supporting mosquitoes during long, precipitation-free periods. The method of using kriging and weather station data may be generally applicable to the study of various ecological processes and patterns, and lead to insights into microclimates associated with a variety of organisms' life cycles.

Chikungunya: important lessons from the Jamaican experience / Chikungunya: enseñanzas importantes de la experiencia jamaiquina

Objectives. To describe the clinical presentation of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) illness in adults during the 2014 outbreak in Jamaica and to determine the predictive value of the case definition. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using clinical data from suspected cases of CHIKV that were reported to the Ministry of Health in April – December 2014. In addition, charts were reviewed of all individuals over 15 years of age with suspected CHIKV based on a diagnosis of CHIKV or “acute viral illness” that presented to four major health centers in Jamaica during the week prior to and the peak week of the epidemic. Data abstracted from these charts using a modified CHIKV Case Investigation Form included demographics, clinical findings, and laboratory tests. Results. In 2014, the Ministry of Health of Jamaica received 4 447 notifications of CHIKV infection. PCR testing was conducted on 137 suspected CHIKV cases (56 men and 81 women; median age 28 years) and was positive for 89 (65%) persons. In all, 205 health charts were identified that met the selection criteria (51 men and 154 women, median age 43 years). The most commonly reported symptoms were arthralgia (86%) and fever (76%). Of those who met the epidemiologic case definition for CHIKV as defined by the Pan American Health Organization, only 34% had this diagnosis recorded. Acute viral illness was the most frequently recorded diagnosis (n = 79; 58%). Conclusions. Broader case definitions for acute CHIKV illness may be needed to identify suspected cases during an outbreak. Standardized data collection forms and validation of case definitions may be useful for future outbreaks.

Objetivo. Describir el cuadro clínico de la infección por el virus del chikungunya (CHIKV) en los adultos durante el brote del 2014 en Jamaica y determinar el valor predictivo de la definición de caso. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos clínicos de los presuntos casos de CHIKV que se notificaron al Ministerio de Salud entre abril y diciembre del 2014. Además, se examinaron las historias clínicas de todos los mayores de 15 años con presunto cuadro de CHIKV, es decir con diagnóstico de CHIKV o de “virosis aguda”, que acudieron a cuatro grandes centros de salud de Jamaica durante la semana de máxima incidencia de la epidemia y la semana anterior. De las historias se extrajo, mediante un formulario modificado para el estudio de casos de CHIKV, la siguiente información: datos demográficos, resultados clínicos y análisis de laboratorio. Resultados. En el 2014, el Ministerio de Salud de Jamaica recibió 4 447 notificaciones de infección por el CHIKV. Se realizó la RCP de 137 presuntos casos de CHIKV (56 varones y 81 mujeres; mediana de edad de 28 años), que dio positivo en 89 personas (el 65%). En total, se encontraron 205 historias clínicas que reunían los criterios de selección (51 varones y 154 mujeres; mediana de edad de 43 años). Los síntomas comunicados con mayor frecuencia fueron las artralgias (86%) y la fiebre (76%). De los que se ajustaron a la definición epidemiológica de caso de CHIKV de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, solo en el 34% se había registrado ese diagnóstico. La virosis aguda fue el diagnóstico registrado con mayor frecuencia (n = 79; 58%). Conclusiones. Es posible que se necesiten definiciones de caso más amplias para la infección aguda por CHIKV a fin de identificar los casos sospechosos durante un brote. Los formularios estandarizados para la recopilación de datos y la validación de las definiciones quizá resulten útiles para otros brotes en el futuro.

Chikungunya: important lessons from the Jamaican experience / Chikungunya: enseñanzas importantes de la experiencia jamaiquina

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the clinical presentation of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) illness in adults during the 2014 outbreak in Jamaica and to determine the predictive value of the case definition. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using clinical data from suspected cases of CHIKV that were reported to the Ministry of Health in April - December 2014. In addition, charts were reviewed of all individuals over 15 years of age with suspected CHIKV based on a diagnosis of CHIKV or "acute viral illness" that presented to four major health centers in Jamaica during the week prior to and the peak week of the epidemic. Data abstracted from these charts using a modified CHIKV Case Investigation Form included demographics, clinical findings, and laboratory tests. Results In 2014, the Ministry of Health of Jamaica received 4 447 notifications of CHIKV infection. PCR testing was conducted on 137 suspected CHIKV cases (56 men and 81 women; median age 28 years) and was positive for 89 (65%) persons. In all, 205 health charts were identified that met the selection criteria (51 men and 154 women, median age 43 years). The most commonly reported symptoms were arthralgia (86%) and fever (76%). Of those who met the epidemiologic case definition for CHIKV as defined by the Pan American Health Organization, only 34% had this diagnosis recorded. Acute viral illness was the most frequently recorded diagnosis (n = 79; 58%). Conclusions Broader case definitions for acute CHIKV illness may be needed to identify suspected cases during an outbreak. Standardized data collection forms and validation of case definitions may be useful for future outbreaks.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir el cuadro clínico de la infección por el virus del chikungunya (CHIKV) en los adultos durante el brote del 2014 en Jamaica y determinar el valor predictivo de la definición de caso. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos clínicos de los presuntos casos de CHIKV que se notificaron al Ministerio de Salud entre abril y diciembre del 2014. Además, se examinaron las historias clínicas de todos los mayores de 15 años con presunto cuadro de CHIKV, es decir con diagnóstico de CHIKV o de "virosis aguda", que acudieron a cuatro grandes centros de salud de Jamaica durante la semana de máxima incidencia de la epidemia y la semana anterior. De las historias se extrajo, mediante un formulario modificado para el estudio de casos de CHIKV, la siguiente información: datos demográficos, resultados clínicos y análisis de laboratorio. Resultados En el 2014, el Ministerio de Salud de Jamaica recibió 4 447 notificaciones de infección por el CHIKV. Se realizó la RCP de 137 presuntos casos de CHIKV (56 varones y 81 mujeres; mediana de edad de 28 años), que dio positivo en 89 personas (el 65%). En total, se encontraron 205 historias clínicas que reunían los criterios de selección (51 varones y 154 mujeres; mediana de edad de 43 años). Los síntomas comunicados con mayor frecuencia fueron las artralgias (86%) y la fiebre (76%). De los que se ajustaron a la definición epidemiológica de caso de CHIKV de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, solo en el 34% se había registrado ese diagnóstico. La virosis aguda fue el diagnóstico registrado con mayor frecuencia (n = 79; 58%). Conclusiones Es posible que se necesiten definiciones de caso más amplias para la infección aguda por CHIKV a fin de identificar los casos sospechosos durante un brote. Los formularios estandarizados para la recopilación de datos y la validación de las definiciones quizá resulten útiles para otros brotes en el futuro.

Health status of southern Arizona border counties: a Healthy Border 2010 midterm review / Situación de salud de los condados de la frontera sur de Arizona: examen a mitad de período del programa "Frontera saludable 2010"

OBJECTIVE: The region on the United States (US) side of the US-Mexico border consists of 44 counties in four states; populations on both sides of the border have similar health problems. Healthy Border 2010: An Agenda for Improving Health on the US-Mexico Border (HB 2010) is a binational agenda of health promotion and disease prevention for individuals in the region. This study reports on the health status of the four southern Arizona border counties. METHODS: Data on health indicators for Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties were collected from the Arizona Department of Health Services Vital Records and Statistics. Progress was calculated as a percentage made toward or away from the 2010 target. Comparisons were made between the border counties and Arizona. RESULTS: Progress toward the HB 2010 targets varied among the border counties. All border counties made progress toward the targets with the cervical cancer, hepatitis A, and teenage birthrate objectives. Most border counties moved toward the goals for breast cancer, diabetes mortality, tuberculosis, motor vehicle crashes, infant mortality from congenital abnormalities, and prenatal care. Border counties moved away from the target with the human immunodeficiency virus and infant mortality objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of the HB 2010 objectives provided a comprehensive description of the health status of the population. Although the southern Arizona border counties have shown improvement in some areas, monitoring is still needed to identify the disparities that remain.

OBJETIVO: La región estadounidense de la frontera entre México y los Estados Unidos consta de 48 condados distribuidos en cuatro estados, y las poblaciones que viven a uno y otro lado de la frontera tienen problemas de salud similares. El programa binacional "Frontera saludable 2010" está destinado a las poblaciones de la región y se propone mejorar la situación sanitaria en la frontera entre México y los Estados Unidos mediante actividades de promoción de la salud y prevención de enfermedades. Este estudio es un informe sobre la situación sanitaria de los cuatro condados de la frontera sur de Arizona. MÉTODOS. Los datos acerca de los indicadores de salud de los condados de Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz y Yuma se obtuvieron del registro civil y estadísticas del Departamento de Servicios de Salud de Arizona. Se calculó el progreso mediante un porcentaje que refleja la cercanía o la lejanía del objetivo propuesto para el año 2010. Se compararon los datos correspondientes a los condados fronterizos con los del estado de Arizona. RESULTADOS: El progreso hacia los objetivos del programa "Frontera saludable 2010" no fue uniforme en los distintos condados fronterizos. Los cuatro condados lograron avances hacia los objetivos propuestos en materia de cáncer cervicouterino, hepatitis A y tasa de natalidad entre las adolescentes. La mayoría de los condados fronterizos están más próximos a cumplir con los objetivos en materia de cáncer de mama, mortalidad por diabetes, tuberculosis, colisiones de vehículos automotores, mortalidad infantil por anomalías congénitas y atención prenatal. Sin embargo, ninguno de los cuatro condados se está acercando al objetivo propuesto en cuanto al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y la mortalidad infantil. CONCLUSIONES: La evaluación de los objetivos del programa "Frontera saludable 2010" brindó una descripción integral de la situación de salud de la población. Aunque los condados de la frontera sur de Arizona han logrado avances en algunos aspectos, sigue siendo necesario mantener la vigilancia con el fin de detectar las disparidades aún presentes.

Malaria hotspot areas in a highland Kenya site are consistent in epidemic and non-epidemic years and are associated with ecological factors

"Background: Malaria epidemics in highland areas of East Africa have caused considerable morbidity and mortality in the past two decades. Knowledge of ""hotspot"" areas of high malaria incidence would allow for focused preventive interventions in resource-poor areas; particularly if the hotspot areas can be discerned during non-epidemic periods and predicted by ecological factors. Methods:To address this issue; spatial distribution of malaria incidence and the relationship of ecological factors to malaria incidence were assessed in the highland area of Kipsamoite; Kenya; from 001-2004. Results: Clustering of disease in a single geographic ""hotspot"" area occurred in epidemic and non-epidemic years; with a 2.6 to 3.2-fold increased risk of malaria inside the hotspot; as compared to outside the area (P 0.001; all 4 years). Altitude and proximity to the forest were independently associated with increased malaria risk in all years; including epidemic and non-epidemic years. Conclusion: In this highland area; areas of high malaria risk are consistent in epidemic and non-epidemic years and are associated with specific ecological risk factors. Ongoing interventions in areas of ecological risk factors could be a cost-effective method of significantly reducing malaria incidence and blunting or preventing epidemics; even in the absence of malaria early warning systems. Further studies should be conducted to see if these findings hold true in varied highland settings."